IWillGoAnywhere26

I thought I might be able to talk about some of the musicians onboard since we spent 3 weeks on the Reflection in February. The Acoustic Duo, called Time Machine Duo, is excellent.  I know they leave sometime in May but I'm not sure of the date.  The solo guitarist, Ge, is also wonderful. He may still be there, based on when he started his contract.  We spent many hours listening to both. The House Band and the Quartet have both changed so I can't comment on them.  We love the lounge acts on Celebrity. Have a wonderful cruise!

So happy to see a new live report from you. Love reading about your adventures and seeing your beautiful pictures. Wishing you smooth sailing!

1 hour ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

I was on the Summit in Aqua in July and LOVED it!!!!

 

Serkan was my maitre'd, my servers were Nuralita (primary) and Nila (assistant), and the hostess was Mariana and they were all WONDERFUL!!!! If you bump into them, please tell them Beth from last summer says hello! I rarely get so attached to my serving team that I cry on the last morning, but I did this time.

 

I really fell in love with the Summit and am sad she's not out of NYC again this summer!!

I know exactly how you feel because I feel the same way.  I recognize all those names! The Summit is my favorite ship. Since we live 90 miles south of NYC we've sailed on her many times and are sad to see her gone.

Hi, Charla! I'm so sorry for your family's loss and of, course, your continued problems preventing Jeremy from cruising with you.  I have followed several of your trips a few months back, but recently have taken a break from my obsession with Cruise Critic. I checked back 2 days ago since my husband and I are booked on a B2B2B Reflection cruise starting Feb 3. I was so excited to see that you would be sailing on the first leg.  I will definitely introduce myself and say hello.

You will love Hato Caves.  We did it on our last cruise and I actually considered doing it again.  Snorkeling in Bonaire is the best, we've done it with Woodwind as someone else mentioned.

Let me add my thanks for taking us along on your recent Bermuda trip. Loved all the pictures and stories you shared so we could travel along. You made it seem like we were onboard with you. Plus, your sense of humor is delightful. ( in addition to your sense of style😉) Wishing you many more peaceful and relaxing days ahead!

Mary Ann

1 hour ago, Cruzinforpeace*** said:

I  believe Phelesia was sent to me as an Angel this morning.  I wasn’t even sharing anything particularly detailed about my past but she shared with me that we must experience the emotions of our past traumas in order to move on.  Don’t hold it in she said!  “Tell Him you can’t handle it and need His help.”  I started to cry after not being able to cry for a long time.  I’m feeling a strange new feeling right now.  Peace.  God bless you Phelesia.

Thank you for sharing this very personal moment. I believe there may be other people who benefit from hearing that same message today. God bess both you and Phelesia.

23 minutes ago, Cruzinforpeace*** said:

Walking on “the track” getting some exercise.  I love bread so I have to love walking.🤪

Where is everyone?

Now the relaxation starts! Well, as soon as you walk up that gangway! Hope embarkation goes smoothly. Can't wait to follow along!

1 hour ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

I saw her for the first time this morning - she was walking around with pastries. If I see her tonight, I'll definitely tell her.

Thank you so much! I was so disappointed when I found out we were missing her by one day. We sailed with her for 3 weeks and had so many interesting conversations. Have a great night!

On 7/21/2023 at 5:53 AM, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

Nuralita and Nila and they are fabulous!!! 🙂

Yes, they are fabulous, too! They sometimes took care of us at breakfast. And Mariana is just the sweetest and handles her role as hostess so well. She seems to be able to keep everyone happy. And Serkan certainly keeps you laughing.

I know it's your last night but I was wondering if you encountered an assistant waiter named Jen.  We spent lots of time chatting with her 2 cruises ago. Someone told us she was returning the day we got off the ship. Please tell her David and Mary Boyd hope she's well.

Enjoy every minute of your last day! It;s always nice to have your next cruise planned before you leave the ship.

Happy Birthday, Beth! Enjoy your day! Can't wait to hear how you celebrated.

43 minutes ago, Laurab23 said:

Glad to hear you tried and enjoyed the key lime martini.

 

Laura

I've never had one of key lime martinis so it's going on the list. Thanks!

4 hours ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

I know I have not seen Vikas. Nandha might be here and the one who has served me so far - I will look closer tonight but I thought the tag said Reagan last night. The other sommelier is a woman but she is usually on the other side of Blu.

Also wondering who your waiter is. I know they usually try to sit you with the same one.  We had Irwan and Fika taking care of us. Loved them, but the whole staff is great!

Enjoy your first day in Bermuda!

Okay, back to the Summit! Wondering if these 2 guys are onboard now. Nandha was our sommelier in October 2022. Viskas served us in May. I'm thinking Viskas may have gone home. Both took such good care of us. Loved our chats!

1 hour ago, OnTheJourney said:

Thanks!  Mutual admiration society going here LOL   As to starting beginners, yeah, you have to learn to deal with (sort of 'tune out') the squeaks and squawks and look past that to what it'll (hopefully) sound like later. Those teachers that can't simply will not survive this gig or else go crazy trying to do so. The kids that realize it's going to take some work and don't want to deal with that rather quickly weed themselves out of the program.

 

I never really did Holiday concerts with beginners. Only seeing them once a week for 15-25 minutes (varied over the years) doesn't get them ready to do all that much by December. Just my take on it though. I only organized my beginner bands after Christmas break, and so the beginner bands then got to play in the spring concert.

 

Vocal or instrumental?  In many cases...probably a little (or alot) of both! I started with grades 4-5-6 but then lost my 6th graders when we built a Middle school. That was a big adjustment but the 5th graders rose to the occasion and after a bit I got used to just working with 4th and 5th and finished my career that way. Itinerants are a different breed since they hop all over the district. I actually enjoyed that part of it cause always got to socialize and work with many different staff members and students. Our district is very rural so had some enjoyable drives between schools as well.

 

My husband taught middle school general music for about half his career. He did start 4th graders on instruments for 2 years, though, and thus conducted an elementary band of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. He fondly remembers a group of 4th grade girls he started on the saxaphone. They were so excited and wanted to play all the time.  So he would use his lunch hour to give them extra playing time.

For the other half of his career he worked as a school psychologist. One day he got a call from one of those little girls, asking if he would mentor her as she pursued her degree in school psychology. She worked as his intern for a year.  It was one of the highlights of his career. A career in education has so many challenges but a multitude of rewards. WE both felt very fortunate in our careers.

We live in Bucks County. Where are you from in PA?

37 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

My hat is off to you special ed people for sure, as someone already mentioned! I taught for 33.5 years (went out early with slightly reduced penalty) and did elementary band in our local public school system.

I must return the compliment to you as an elementary band leader. My 35 years were spent in an elementary public school. The music teachers did an amazing job with the chorus and band. Starting children on instruments seems like a daunting task. We were always so impressed with the holiday concert after only a few months of instruction.  My opinion is not biased at all by the fact that my husband is a music teacher!😉

So excited to follow along as you sail the Summit, our favorite ship. We have sailed on her at least a dozen times, most recently April 26th to May 15th, also in Aqua class.  The crew makes her extra special and the staff in Blu will spoil you as they make you feel extra special. I must admit, I'm a little jealous.

  I taught for 35 years, 20 of them as a special education teacher. 

Love the lavendar lemondrop marrtini, too, but it sounds like you got some wonderful suggestions that I will be adding to my list. All the bartenders are great but make sure to connect with Putu. We've sailed with him numerous times. Amazing how much he's mentioned on social media. I always tell him he's famous.  Tell him Mary and David Boyd say hello if you get the chance. 

Here's a picture of Putu on Cinco de Mayo

Mary Ann

On 6/19/2023 at 2:43 PM, kruzerci said:

I am shocked they haven’t come up with some form of meatloaf. Mystery meat. 

Meatloaf was on the Blu menu when we sailed in May.

I know I was late to the party but what a ride! Safe travels to you and Iain. Looking forward to following your next adventure!  Mary Ann

11 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Mary Ann.  
 

I do remember meeting you on the stairs after so many days. 
 

last night Iain met a person that he used to smoke with from the same cruise.   Funny how small the world is. 

You are so right! One quick story. We cruised to French Polynesia on our 2nd cruise. Met a couple at lunch, chatted here and there, and went on our way. The next year we cruised to Alaska and ran into this same couple the first morning. We ended up eating dinner with them each night on that cruise. After that, we traveled with them for years on some of our favorite trips, including a two week safari in Africa and the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. In fact, they helped instill our sense of adventure in traveling around the world. Life circumstances interrupted our ability to travel with them, but they are a part of so many happy memories.

Happy Birthday, Iain! Looks like you're going to have quite the celebration!

Hi, Jim,

I've spent the week reading your entire thread after returning from a 19 day voyage on the Summit. Finally caught up. We actually met on the Summit on the first leg of the Iceland cruise last August.  I stopped you on the stairs to say hello. It's been fascinating to follow your adventures and all the heartfelt stories you and other shared along the way. And you certainly have an eye for captivating photos, from your doors to flowers to vistas as well as people. Thanks for taking all of us along with you and Iain. When I grow up I want to be like you. Hopefully I'll get the chance to cruise with you again and get the oppurtunity to chat a little more.

Mary Ann

12 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I was confused about this as well. I had no desire to take a bus anywhere In Puerto Plata. 
 

The habitat I went to is a SUPER easy walk. In fact, you never leave the protected area of the “resort” that was built specifically for cruise ship passengers. 
 

When you get off the ship walk to the end of the pier. Enter the “resort” thru the duty free shop (it’s the only way to enter and everyone is headed that way). The monkey habitat I went to is about half way between duty free shop and the huge pool. On your right as you enter. It can’t be more than a few hundred yards in. Very close. It’s $25 for a session (30-45 minute interaction).
 

Be like Nike and just do it 🙂

Thanks so much! We will definitely do it and I'll report back here. We love anything involving animal encounters. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii!

I also wanted to say thanks for your great review and honest depiction of the present state of cruising. We board the Connie on February 3. I have one question about the Monkeyland Park Adventure. When I googled it for more info, it seemed to suggest that you take a bus ride out to the country to get there. I was under the impression that you could walk there from the port area. Can you clarify that for me? We would love to visit that facility. Thank you!

We've cruised frequently on the Summit in Aqua. Looking forward to hearing your impressions!